As a lover of all things Bowland, I am led to believe that at least three of the Hen Harriers born in Bowland this year have gone missing in mysterious circumstances. It is therefore of interest to watch this Channel 4 report on the conviction of a gamekeeper for Hen Harrier persecution. The footage is upsetting.
Whilst I’m on the subject of wildlife crime, have a read of this summary of so-called ‘trail hunting’ and what it obscures.
Some of the privileged few feel they can ignore the law with impunity. It is long overdue for the government of this so-called civilised country to take more positive action to outlaw these practices.
I have a nasty taste in my mouth.
Good to see an actual prosecution.
Paltry fine?
Yep.
The punishments are far too lenient. BBC have a series called Farm999 which you can see on iPlayer. They have shown several hare coursing and badger baiting videos where prosecutions have been made. All the perpetrators get are meagre fines of two or three hundred pounds and banned from keeping dogs (only for a number of years.)Apart from the appalling cruelty, and sickening enjoyment of killing these folk are trespassing on private farm land with 4WD vehicles and causing collateral damage. Custodial sentences should be mandatory.
I suspect the fines, insufficient as they are, will be paid off by their ‘masters’ who treat the law and us as mugs.
My feelings and opinions are just the same as yours BC.
I was trying to stir peoples feelings. We will win in the end.
Wealth and impunity. Very disturbing.
In all walks of life.